McLaren Park News – San Francisco Recreation and Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org
Get out and play!Mon, 21 Jan 2019 16:35:45 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=5.0.3Ropes Course to Raise Profile of McLaren Park, Expand Local Access to Leadership Programminghttps://sfrecpark.org/ropes-course-to-raise-profile-of-mclaren-park-expand-local-access-to-leadership-programming/
Thu, 20 Dec 2018 22:22:57 +0000https://sfrecpark.org/?p=125803SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission today approved a plan to transform an under-used part of John McLaren Park into a high ropes challenge focusing on leadership and character development for local youth and others. A project of SF Rec and Parks and Outward Bound California … Continue reading →]]>

SAN FRANCISCO – The San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission today approved a plan to transform an under-used part of John McLaren Park into a high ropes challenge focusing on leadership and character development for local youth and others.

A project of SF Rec and Parks and Outward Bound California (OBCA), the ropes course is estimated to be completed by May 2019. The course will serve both public and educational community group recreation for youth and adults. Schools and non-profit groups that serve low-income students will receive up to 75 percent scholarship for a day on the course, with students themselves typically attending free of charge. One Saturday per month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be reserved for free community programs led by highly trained Outward Bound educators. Studies show outdoor adventure programs provide mental health benefits for teens and young adults.

It will be the sole ropes course on San Francisco property. A second course is located on federal land in the Fort Miley Military Reservation, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

“McLaren Park has been an important neighborhood space for both children and adults for generations,” said Mayor London Breed. “We are always looking for new ways for our public spaces to better serve our community and the new ropes course will be a welcome addition.”

After working with community members, including the McLaren Park Collaborative group, Rec and Parks and OBCA settled on Wilde Overlook Tower area near the intersection of Mansell Street and Visitacion Avenue as the new ropes course location. OBCA has raised the funds to build the course in partnership with the city that will serve as a gateway and anchor of outdoor activity for San Francisco’s second largest park. Fundraising continues for staff training, ongoing maintenance, and scholarships for local students – including Visitacion Valley Middle School just down the hill from the course.

“Having a ropes course in McLaren Park is incredibly important to students in San Francisco’s southern neighborhoods,” said San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews. “It means equitable access to all of the benefits that come from meaningful outdoor experiences and programming.”

The plan aligns with the 2018 McLaren Park Vision Plan, which cites recreational improvements focusing on play and aerial adventure as the top desire of park neighbors and advocates.

“The southwestern corner of McLaren Park has long deserved a revitalization,” said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of San Francisco Recreation and Parks. “Outward Bound California has proposed a dynamic ropes course that promises to bring new life to the area while honing leadership skills for San Franciscans.”

The project ensures equitable access to all of the benefits that come from meaningful outdoor experiences and programming, providing students from the neighborhood and beyond an opportunity to become stewards of nature.

“Outward Bound California has deep roots in San Francisco,” said Nettie Pardue, Executive Director of OBCA. “The majority of the SF students we serve live in District 10 and 11 so we are thrilled at the opportunity to bring more accessible, life-changing outdoor experiences to local schools and youth in the southern part of the city.”

The course will have five separate structures, tucked into the tree line or landscape whenever possible. The course provides solo and team climbing opportunities and focuses on balance, trust, communication, leadership and teamwork.

The Challenge Course: A ten-pole traditional high ropes course with eight aerial challenges

The Discovery Tower: A two-pole, four-person aerial adventure

The Leap: A three-pole solo challenge that asks participants to take a leap

The Down Lows: Portable low elements that can be installed on landscape posts to unharnessed challenges.

Storage: Two 8-feet-by 20-feet storage structures for program and course equipment.

Once completed, the course could accommodate small to large groups led by facilitators that last from one hour to all day.

About McLaren Park:

At over 300 acres, John McLaren Park is the second largest park in The City. The park was created in 1927 and currently includes playgrounds, picnic areas, game courts, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, a golf course, McNab Lake and the Coffman Pool. It provides more than 7 miles of trails. The Wilde Overlook Area was opened to the public in 1981. Previously the Wilde Reservoir, the area was used to store tap water for San Francisco. After its operation ceased, the old walls of the reservoir were retained as a viewing platform and a 35-foot tower was constructed as its center.

About Outward Bound California:

Outward Bound California is a nonprofit educational organization and expedition school offering educational programs that challenge students to develop leadership, character, and a desire to serve in their schools, communities and showcase their inner strength in their careers. Outward Bound California is deeply committed to opening up access for low-income students and facilitating effective community partnerships, which is why:

Two in three Outward Bound California students receive scholarships to participate in their programs.

Outward Bound California provides nearly 12,000 days of outdoor leadership education to students across the Bay Area and California annually.

Outward Bound California students consistently demonstrate strong growth in measurable outcomes areas of leadership, character, environmental stewardship, and the development of an ethic of service.

More than 12,000 students have taken part in Outward Bound California programs in partnership with public schools and student-serving nonprofits, including: San Francisco International High School, Abraham Lincoln High School, Visitacion Valley Middle School; Leadership Public Schools, Urban Promise Academy and Bret Harte Middle School; Richmond’s Yes Nature to Neighborhoods, Friends of the Urban Forest, Jewish Big Brothers and Sisters of LA, Summer Search, Larkin Street Youth Services, and dozens upon dozens of others.

]]>McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Area Renovation in Bid/Award Phasehttps://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-park-playground-and-group-picnic-area-renovation-in-bid-award-phase/
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:35:18 +0000https://sfrecpark.org/?p=125705Continue reading →]]>Eight bids were received by potential contractors on the McLaren Park Playground and Group Picnic Area Renovation, and the bids were within the project budget! The project will be presented by to staff to the Rec & Park Department Commission for contract award in January 2019. Construction is anticipated start in Spring 2019.

Tree removals within the Group Picnic Area and adjacent park areas are still scheduled to happen by the end of January 2019. See the FAQs for more information on the removals.

]]>McLaren Community Garden Construction Progress Updatehttps://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-community-garden-construction-progress-update/
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:35:17 +0000https://sfrecpark.org/?p=125703Continue reading →]]>We are headed to the end of construction on the renovation of the McLaren Community Garden! The contractor has completed all the site work, and installed the shipping container tool shed. They are currently installing the fencing, and the last part will be the installation of the site furnishings, including benches, tables, gazebo, greenhouse. We are on track to re-open in this coming Spring!

]]>McLaren Community Garden Construction Updatehttps://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-community-garden-construction-update/
Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:31:51 +0000https://sfrecpark.org/?p=125116Continue reading →]]>We are more than half way through our renovation of the McLaren Community Garden! The contractor has completed all the concrete work and built all the raised planter beds. The next steps will be installing the fencing, followed by the site furnishings, including benches, tables, gazebo, greenhouse, and tool shed. We can’t wait to re-open this Spring!
]]>Big Truck Day on October 10https://sfrecpark.org/event/big-truck-day-on-october-10/
Wed, 10 Oct 2018 17:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=123471Big Truck Day is back! Bring the little ones out to McLaren Park (John Shelly Drive and Mansell) on October 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, to explore, play and learn all … Continue reading →]]>

Big Truck Day is back! Bring the little ones out to McLaren Park (John Shelly Drive and Mansell) on October 10, from 10 a.m. to noon, to explore, play and learn all about the city trucks that keep our city working. Explore trucks from different city agencies, see them in action and listen to the sounds they make! FREE.

]]>Louis Sutter Pickleball Celebration on September 22https://sfrecpark.org/event/louis-sutter-pickleball-celebration-on-september-22/
Sat, 22 Sep 2018 21:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=123278This past month we completed our resurfacing of the Louis Sutter sports courts (Wayland and University Streets) and converted the tennis courts to dedicated pickleball courts, the first of its kind in … Continue reading →]]>

This past month we completed our resurfacing of the Louis Sutter sports courts (Wayland and University Streets) and converted the tennis courts to dedicated pickleball courts, the first of its kind in San Francisco! To celebrate this milestone, we will have an event on Saturday, September 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. that will not only feature pickleball activities, but a pickling workshop! We look forward to seeing you there!

]]>Jerry Day at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater on August 5https://sfrecpark.org/event/jerry-day-at-the-jerry-garcia-amphitheater-on-august-5/
Sun, 05 Aug 2018 18:30:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=122096Celebrate the 16th Annual Jerry Day at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park (45 John F. Shelly Drive) on Sunday, August 5, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Music, fun and celebration of … Continue reading →]]>

Celebrate the 16th Annual Jerry Day at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park (45 John F. Shelly Drive) on Sunday, August 5, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Music, fun and celebration of one of music’s most iconic rock guitarists will fill McLaren Park on this Sunday! FREE! For more information, click here.

]]>Visitacion Valley Community Facilities and Infrastructure Impact Fee Meetinghttps://sfrecpark.org/visitacion-valley-community-facilities-and-infrastructure-impact-fee-meeting/
Mon, 23 Jul 2018 21:43:15 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=122064Continue reading →]]>Visitacion Valley neighbors are invited to participate in the next community workshop on Saturday, July 28, 2018, 10am – 12:30pmat the Visitacion Valley Library. The workshop agenda will be organized in two parts.

Rec and Park and city staff have begun preliminary planning and design work on projects identified by the community as high priority for implementation through the Visitacion Valley Community Facilities and Infrastructure Impact Fee. These initial projects include the installation of pedestrian and bicycle connections on Visitacion Avenue between Vis Valley and McLaren Park.

The McLaren Playground Project is moving along an d is currently in the Design Phase. Some renderings of the current design can be seen below. The project should be put out to bid in the Winter of 2018. Construction is planned for Summer 2019.

Email alexis.ward@sfgov.org with questions.

]]>McLaren Community Garden out to Bidhttps://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-community-garden-out-to-bid/
Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:09:09 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=121688After making some modifications to the design, the McLaren Community Garden Project is back out to bid. Potential contractors are encouraged to review the bid solicitation here:

]]>McLaren Park Tennis Court Community Celebration Day on June 23https://sfrecpark.org/event/mclaren-park-tennis-court-community-celebration-day-on-june-23/
Sun, 24 Jun 2018 17:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=121682Join San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation (SFFSR), Youth Tennis Advantage and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a community celebration including tennis clinics and games for all … Continue reading →]]>

Join San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation (SFFSR), Youth Tennis Advantage and the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a community celebration including tennis clinics and games for all ages and abilities, friendly exhibitions and light refreshments at the recently resurfaced McLaren Park Tennis Courts (Mansell Street and Visitacion Avenue), which were redone through a generous grant from SFFSR! In addition, if you have extra tennis equipment you would like to donate, we will be accepting donations to support tennis programming throughout the city! Come dust off that racket and hit a few balls with us! For more information about the SFFSR grant, click here.

]]>McLaren Park Vision Plan – Final Reporthttps://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-park-vision-plan-final-report/
Tue, 10 Apr 2018 20:06:32 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=120122We are excited to share with you the final Vision Planning Process Report. Click here to view the report and click here for the Appendix. Watch this space for upcoming continued planning meetings for the Trails + Paths, Courts, and Amphitheater portion of the project. We look forward to speaking … Continue reading →]]>

We are excited to share with you the final Vision Planning Process Report. Click here to view the report and click here for the Appendix. Watch this space for upcoming continued planning meetings for the Trails + Paths, Courts, and Amphitheater portion of the project. We look forward to speaking to you all again soon.

]]>Celebrate Earth Month by Volunteering in our Parks!https://sfrecpark.org/celebrate-earth-month-by-volunteering-in-our-parks/
Tue, 03 Apr 2018 00:06:31 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=120033Join our Earth Month Madness this April by volunteering in our parks! We have numerous volunteer workdays across the city that are perfect for celebrating our planet! For more information or to RSVP for any of these events please email recparkvolunteer@sfgov.org or call (415) 831-6330 Where: Alamo Square (Hayes & … Continue reading →]]>

Join our Earth Month Madness this April by volunteering in our parks! We have numerous volunteer workdays across the city that are perfect for celebrating our planet! For more information or to RSVP for any of these events please email recparkvolunteer@sfgov.org or call (415) 831-6330

Where:Alamo Square (Hayes & Steiner Tennis Courts)

When: 4/7/18 9:00 -12:00 pm

Who: Alamo Square Neighborhood Association

What: Volunteer Work Party with the Friends Of Alamo Square neighborhood members to perform park beautification to enhance the native and ornamental beds in Alamo Square. Weeding, mulching and planting in the spring with the rains.

Where: Crocker Amazon Playground (Italy & Moscow parking Lot)

When: 4/7/18 9:00 -12:00 pm

Who: FO Crocker Amazon

What: Volunteer Work Party with the Friends of Crocker Amazon. Volunteers worked on the restored hillside slope that runs the backside length of the playing fields to support CA native habitat restoration with an intensive planting of ground cover, shrub and small trees. All plants are drought tolerant and thrive in the sandy soil of Crocker Amazon.

Where: Palou Phelps Mini – Park (Palou & Phelps St.)

When: 4/7/18 10:00 -12:00 pm

Who: FO Palou Phelps Mini-Park

What: Volunteer Work Party with the neighborhood members around the mini park. Volunteers work with Natural Areas Division staff on the upper hillside areas above the park removing invasive plants as habitat restoration in a small grassland section of San Francisco. Native grassland species are present to support local fauna.

Where: GGP Kezar Triangle

When: 4/7/18 9:00 -12:00 pm

Who: FO Kezar

What: Volunteer Work Party with the FO Kezar Triangle. Neighbors work with GGP Section 7 operation staff to improve the boundary plantings that ring the northside and southside of the park to support ornamental and native CA plantings that border the park serve as beauty, habitat for many species, a physical buffer from cars on Kezar and Fredrick Drives.

Where: Mt. Olympus (Upper Terrace)

When: 4/7/18 9:00 -12:00 pm

Who: FO Mt. Olympus

What: Volunteer Work Party with the neighborhood members of Mt. Olympus. Weeding and pruning in the winter time the planting zones in and around the obelisk.

Where: GGP Nursery (100 MLK Drive)

When: 4/7/18 9:30 -12:30 pm

Who: FO Nursery

What: Volunteer Work Party to produce native CA plants as routine Plant Propagation to increase the overall numbers of CA native plants for the Oak Woodlands Habitat.

What: Volunteer Work Party with the neighborhood members to improve the perimeter plantings around the children’s play area including park beautification to enhance the pollinator attractor plants and habitat for local insects.

]]>McLaren Bike Park Hours Post-Daylight Saving Timehttps://sfrecpark.org/mclaren-bike-park-hours-post-daylight-saving-time/
Wed, 08 Nov 2017 00:01:26 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115987McLaren Bike Park will close at 5 p.m. due to darkness after the recent end to Daylight Saving Time. Staff will begin closing at 6 p.m. when the change in daylight allows.]]>

McLaren Bike Park will close at 5 p.m. due to darkness after the recent end to Daylight Saving Time.

Staff will begin closing at 6 p.m. when the change in daylight allows.

]]>McLaren Group Picnic + Playground Concept Design Presentation – Nov. 1sthttps://sfrecpark.org/concept-design-draft-presentation-nov-1-2017/
Tue, 24 Oct 2017 23:46:55 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115823Continue reading →]]>We had a productive third community meeting and appreciate those who were able to join us in person. If you couldn’t make it, please see our updated concept design here: Group Picnic + Playground Concept Design. Our next step will be to present the draft concept design to the Capital Committee of the Recreation and Park Department Commission. Please join us if you can! November 1, 2017, 2:00pm, City Hall- 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place, San Francisco, Room 416.
]]>McLaren Bike Park Opening on October 21https://sfrecpark.org/event/mclaren-bike-park-opening/
Sat, 21 Oct 2017 17:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=115446Strap on your helmets! You’re invited to the opening of San Francisco’s first bike park, McLaren Bike Park, on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a ceremonial first … Continue reading →]]>

Strap on your helmets! You’re invited to the opening of San Francisco’s first bike park, McLaren Bike Park, on Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a ceremonial first bike ride at 10:30 a.m. The brand new park is located in McLaren Park at 2050 Sunnydale Avenue, next to Gleneagles Golf Course. The event will feature a ribbon cutting, pump-style bike competition, kids’ races, food, raffles, bike demos and more! In addition, there will be 22 vendors on site that will be offering items and services such as free bike repairs, food, swag and more! See the event schedule here:

10:00 AM Event Begins

10:30 AM First Ride Ceremony

10:45 AM Begin Programming

Beginner bike lessons for kids

Open ride on the track and bowl

Vendor tents with giveaways and services

Food for sale at Carribean Spices Food Truck

Raffle Tickets

12:45 PM Announce Kids’ Race and Raffle Winners

12:50 PM Professional Competition

1:45 PM Awards Ceremony

2:00 PM Programmed Event Ends

Open ride until 5:30 p.m.

]]>Big Truck Day on October 4https://sfrecpark.org/event/big-truck-day-on-october-4/
Wed, 04 Oct 2017 17:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=115577Join us for Big Truck Day on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McLaren Park (100 John F. Shelley Drive at Mansell Street). This FREE event is geared with activities for … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for Big Truck Day on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McLaren Park (100 John F. Shelley Drive at Mansell Street). This FREE event is geared with activities for children 2 to 6 years old, and offers the opportunity to be up close and personal to the trucks we see regularly throughout the city. Explore trucks from different city agencies, see them in action and listen to the sounds they make. For more information, please contact Rachelle Henley here or at (415) 813-0067.

]]>Come work on trails in McLaren Park Sept 23 and Sept 24https://sfrecpark.org/come-work-on-trails-in-mclaren-park-sept-23-and-sept-24/
Tue, 19 Sep 2017 23:48:29 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115354Join Rec & Park’s Natural Resources Division and Volunteers for Outdoor California (V-O-Cal) for a large scale trail building event in McLaren Park this coming Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24. Rec and Park has partnered with V-O-Cal every year for several years to complete significant trail improvements in … Continue reading →]]>

Join Rec & Park’s Natural Resources Division and Volunteers for Outdoor California (V-O-Cal) for a large scale trail building event in McLaren Park this coming Saturday and Sunday, September 23 and 24.

Rec and Park has partnered with V-O-Cal every year for several years to complete significant trail improvements in Glen Canyon Park, Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Park and McLaren Park.

If you are interested in participating in this trail work event Saturday, September 23 and / or Sunday, September 24, you can find more information, including a detailed fact sheet, and register via the V-O-Cal website.

No prior trails experience required! Tools, gloves and detailed direction provided on site, as well as food, a project memento and a rare opportunity to camp in a San Francisco park!

]]>Saturday in the Park at Jerry Garcia Amphitheaterhttps://sfrecpark.org/saturday-in-the-park-at-jerry-garcia-amphitheatre/
Wed, 30 Aug 2017 23:35:56 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=115104Saturday in the Park is back! Musical talent will be gracing Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park (off of John F. Shelley Drive near Cambridge Street) this Fall! For more information, click here or call (415) 413-7501. Click here for the full list of shows: Saturday In The Park]]>

Saturday in the Park is back! Musical talent will be gracing Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park (off of John F. Shelley Drive near Cambridge Street) this Fall! For more information, click here or call (415) 413-7501.

On Saturday, April 15, join Wilderness Inquiry and Rec and Park for a morning of canoeing at McNab Lake at Louis Sutter Playground (Wayland and University Streets behind Louis Sutter Playground), from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. FREE. It’ll be the last chance to get on the water with Canoemobile this year, so swing by before going on a walk with Healthy Parks, Healthy People in McLaren Park or before going to Eggstravaganza!

For more information about the Trails + Paths focus area, please contact Project Manager Melinda Stockmann at Melinda.stockmann@sfgov.org or at 415-581-2548.

This event is Rain or Shine.

]]>McLaren Park Trails and Paths Workshop on February 25https://sfrecpark.org/event/mclaren-park-trails-and-paths-workshop-on-february-25/
Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:30:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=108647Join us for a group workshop, guided walk and discussion for McLaren Park trails and paths, February 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Meet at the southwest corner of Mansell and … Continue reading →]]>

Join us for a group workshop, guided walk and discussion for McLaren Park trails and paths, February 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Meet at the southwest corner of Mansell and Visitacion Avenue. For more information, contact melinda.stockmann@sfgov.org

WHAT: A guided walk on some of McLaren Park’s trails + paths, to:
• Highlight some representative trail + path features.
• Hear from you what is your experience now and what would you like for the future.

LOCATION: Parking lot, SW corner of Mansell and Visitacion Ave

This is the first of two planned outreach events for the Trails + Paths focus area. Part 2 will be an indoor workshop (date TBD). This is part of the overall McLaren Park Planning Process.

The Blues Show – our season finale concert once again offers a great lineup of local bay area blues performers. We welcome the Groove Riders, Diva Ladee Chico and Bobbie “Spider” Webb. This final show also celebrates the 45th anniversary of the Amphitheater with the annual Saturday in the Park Amphitheater Birthday Party.

]]>Saturday in the Park McLaren Concert Series: The Bluegrass Festivalhttps://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-mclaren-concert-series-the-bluegrass-festival/
Sat, 15 Oct 2016 19:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=105949The Bluegrass Festival showcases several of our local troubadours at a non-stop afternoon of new and traditional tunes sung and played by The Back Porch Band, The Beauty Operators String Band, Canyon … Continue reading →]]>

The Bluegrass Festival showcases several of our local troubadours at a non-stop afternoon of new and traditional tunes sung and played by The Back Porch Band, The Beauty Operators String Band, Canyon Johnson and The Windy Hill Bluegrass Band.

]]>Saturday in the Park Concert Series: Let the Good Times Rock ‘N Roll Showhttps://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-let-the-good-times-rock-n-roll-show/
Sat, 08 Oct 2016 19:30:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=105943The musical season continues this weekend as the Friends of the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, in partnership with The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, host the Let the Good Times Rock ‘N … Continue reading →]]>

The musical season continues this weekend as the Friends of the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, in partnership with The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, host the Let the Good Times Rock ‘N Roll Show as part of the 2016 Saturday in the Park Concert Series at McLaren Park.

For the last four years, Saturday in the Park McLaren has offered admission-free concerts at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. This year’s concert series began in August with Latin Jazz and will continue each of the next three weekends. This weekend’s headliner is Cocker Power, a Joe Cocker Tribute Band, along with Big Rain, Rock Candy with Lindsey Boullt, and Lost Comet with Sharon Pucci.

Explore nature, enliven your spirit, and bring a smile to share with new friends! The hike starts with light stretching, followed by a guided walk through groves of redwoods and cypress trees. Meet by the McLaren Park sign at University & Mansell at 10 a.m. and let’s Get Out & Play!

For a more enjoyable walk remember to dress comfortably, wear walking shoes, bring water and use sunscreen. Please check local weather forecasts – Trail Walks will be canceled due to rain or unsafe conditions. For more information, email lisa.mchenry@sfgov.org.

The 4th Annual Kid’s Festival features the Not-Its, JAM with Charity Kahn, Tree Frog Treks, nature programs, The Exploratorium, magic show with Magician Mike Della Penna and “On the Move” Children’s Storytelling Theater. Join us for 4 hours (11 AM – 3 PM) of art, music, magic, science, hikes and dance and much more. Fun for the whole family to enjoy!

Special Thanks to Chuck and Trilce Farrugia and Help McLaren Park!

]]>John McLaren Bike Park out to Bidhttps://sfrecpark.org/john-mclaren-bike-park-out-to-bid/
Tue, 06 Sep 2016 20:35:40 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=105573Continue reading →]]>Rec Park is thrilled to announce that the John McLaren Bike Park Project is out to bid! Information on the bid solicitation can be found here: http://mission.sfgov.org/OCABidPublication/BidDetail.aspx?K=11233

]]>Saturday in the Park McLaren Concert Series Returns in Augusthttps://sfrecpark.org/saturday-in-the-park-mclaren-concert-series-returns-in-august/
Sat, 23 Jul 2016 23:29:15 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=105083The Friends of the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park announces the return of its free Saturday in the Park concert series beginning in August. Click here for more info.]]>

The Friends of the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park announces the return of its free Saturday in the Park concert series beginning in August. Click herefor more info.

]]>Pancakes in the Park Fundraiser on May 21https://sfrecpark.org/event/pancakes-in-the-park-fundraiser-on-may-21/
Sat, 21 May 2016 16:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=104359Join Help McLaren Park for its 2016 Pancakes in the Park fundraiser on Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Louis Sutter Clubhouse in McLaren Park (near the Wayland and … Continue reading →]]>

Join Help McLaren Park for its 2016 Pancakes in the Park fundraiser on Saturday, May 21, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Louis Sutter Clubhouse in McLaren Park (near the Wayland and University St. entrance). All-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit and refreshments. $10 for adults; $5 for children.

]]>Pancakes in Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org/event/pancakes-in-park/
Sat, 21 May 2016 16:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=101899Join the members of the Friends Group, HELP McLaren Park, at their annual Pancake Breakfast fund-raising event on Saturday May 21, 2016 from 9:00 am- 12:00pm at the Clubhouse at Louis Sutter … Continue reading →]]>

Join the members of the Friends Group, HELP McLaren Park, at their annual Pancake Breakfast fund-raising event on Saturday May 21, 2016 from 9:00 am- 12:00pm at the Clubhouse at Louis Sutter Playground. All you can eat pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, milk, coffee, tea & juice. The suggested donation is $10 per person. Proceeds support the volunteer projects and initiatives of HELP McLaren Park. This event is generously supported by the SF Parks Alliance and Recology.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 415-831-6334 or email recparkvolunteer@sfgov.org.

As you may know, the Mansell/Persia corridor through McLaren Park is under renovation. We appreciate your patience during the work.

Over the next several months, there will be temporary alterations to crosswalks and other access routes at times necessary for construction activities.

Starting next week, the crosswalk at Visitation and Mansell will be closed during a portion of the construction work. Please use the nearest open crosswalk if you are trying to access the northern side of the park, approaching the park on foot from the south. There is a crosswalk at Bowdoin Street. Signage will also be provided to direct park users to alternate routes.

The tennis courts and other facilities remain open, and parking and access to the northern side of McLaren Park may be easiest from the northern side of the park, Shelley Drive and the Amphitheater parking lot, if you choose drive.

Thank you all for your continued patience and support during this work.

The work is going well. We are currently adding additional speed limit signs to post a revised speed limit (25 MPH) and school speed limit signs (15MPH) in those areas and other measures. Additionally, staff is reviewing the Brazil intersection to determine what we can do on a temporary basis during construction at that location.

We made a revised routing flyer, to clarify some details (attached). It is very similar to the one I sent out on January 7th, but just wanted to update you – please provide to others that you think would be interested.

I am so glad so many of you were able to come to the ground breaking and to the update I provided at the December 8th, at the Crocker Amazon Park Monthly meeting.

As you may have seen, the construction has started – some early elements have started on Mansell (some signage, landscape clearing work and staging). Depending on weather, very shortly we hope you will see more of the work get fully underway.

As previously stated, throughout the project, vehicular access from one end of the park to the other and all bus lines will be maintained. Stops may be relocated as needed. Starting shortly, as discussed at the update meeting in December, depending on weather, we will be rerouting some traffic onto Brazil in order to do the work on the Persia portion of Mansell. Please see the below diagram.

For more info on the project, which will include many improvements including the repaving of Mansell, new sidewalks, new bike lanes, new landscaping and safer pedestrian crossing and bus stops see the below link:

and next week, Tuesday, December 8th, at the Crocker Amazon Park Monthly meeting, which starts at 6:00pm. It will be held at the Crocker Amazon Clubhouse, located near the corner of Moscow Street and Italy Avenues.

I have heard I will likely be providing an update at 6:30pm, but the time could be adjusted.

Again, please feel free to reach out to me by email or phone if you have questions!

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving.

Best

Karen

]]>Mansell Improvement Project Construction Kick Off Event November 23rd, at 10:30amhttps://sfrecpark.org/mansell-improvement-project-starting-soon-construction-kick-off-event-november-23rd-at-1030am/
Thu, 12 Nov 2015 22:25:25 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=98385Continue reading →]]>We are excited to announce Mansell Improvement Project will be starting soon! A ground breaking celebration is planned for November 23rd, at 10:30am at the parking lot at the corner of Mansell and Visitation Avenue. We expect work to start after the 30th of November and to be done by the end of 2016.

During the work, vehicular traffic will be maintained, though shifted at times due to work in specific areas. Your patience is requested.

Looking forward to seeing people at the ground breaking and to improving this important corridor for cars, bikers, walkers and buses and all park users!

The final project was bid and the bids are now back and we hope to start construction in November, depending on the speed of contract certification.

As a review, this project will make major improvements to the Mansell Corridor through the park. It will provide protected pedestrian paths and bikelanes throughout the length of Mansell. It will also repave and improve the road for vehicular and public transit access, provide crosswalks, signage and other amenities. The project design is available on the Mansell webpage, viewable here: https://sfrecpark.org/project/mclaren-mansell-project/ The design is the same as we have posted online last fall, and we presented at the same time (October 14, 2015). As you may know, Improvements to Mansell for pedestrian, transit and bike safety were among the most prioritized in the 2010 McLaren Needs Assessment Report. Additionally, the road is in poor shape, and this project would provide repaving of the roadways for all vehicles as well.

The project is valued at over $6.8 Million and as discussed at the meeting on October 14, 2015, it was anticipated that up to $400,000 of the 2012 McLaren Bond Funds would be needed to fund the project. We have determined that $300,000 (less than the earlier anticipated $400,000) will be needed to match the over $6 Million dollars in State and Federal Grants and other transportation funds this project received.

RPD staff will be asking the Rec Park Commission for approval of the award of contract in October, hoping to begin construction in November depending on the speed of certification of contract and contractor mobilization.

If you have any additional feedback or questions on this contract, please contact Karen Mauney-Brodek, project manager, at 415-575-5601.

Please join Dawn Kamalanathan, Rec and Park Director of Capital and Planning at the McLaren Collaborative meeting to discuss possible projects to be in included with the McLaren 2012 Bond Improvements. The Project Manager will be conducting much larger community meetings in the near future.

]]>THIRD COMMUNITY MEETING FOR MCLAREN COMMUNITY GARDEN IMPROVEMENTShttps://sfrecpark.org/third-community-meeting-for-mclaren-community-garden-improvements/
Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:29:58 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=83054Continue reading →]]>Hi all,
Thank you so much to those who came to the third community meeting to discuss the design of the McLaren Community Garden. We received lot of positive feedback on the overall concept design plan. We also got valuable input such as incorporating ramps for wheelbarrows, and requests to add additional trees at the upper entrance to garden. We are currently finalizing the design based on your comments, and doing a cost estimate. We will be starting on construction documents this spring. Stay tuned for more project updates.
]]>Second Meeting for McLaren Community Garden Improvementshttps://sfrecpark.org/second-meeting-for-mclaren-community-garden-improvements/
Wed, 14 Jan 2015 20:31:34 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=82508Continue reading →]]>Hi everyone! We had a productive second meeting discussing two different design options for the renovation of the McLaren Community Garden. We got great feedback on elements such as trees that should be preserved, utilizing tall perimeter fencing and designing raised beds with attached seating. There was a lot of enthusiasm for creating a dry creek bed and natural play features for children. We will be working hard over the Holidays to create a single concept plan, which will present to you all on January 24, 2015. We hope you can attend this final community meeting for the project!
]]>McLaren Park Community Garden Improvements Planning Meeting #2https://sfrecpark.org/event/mclaren-park-community-garden-improvements-planning-meeting/
Sat, 06 Dec 2014 18:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=79287Continue reading →]]>Rec and Park will be making improvements to the garden, which may include new garden plots and irrigation, an accessible area with common amenities including a toolshed and compost bins and new landscaping and fruit trees.

Please join us to discuss improvements to the garden on:

Saturday December 6th, 2014

10:00am – 11:30am

Visitacion Valley Branch Library

201 Leland Ave.

In fact if you are not already a gardener, now is a good time to reserve your space by going to the link below:

]]>Great first meeting for McLaren Community Garden Improvementshttps://sfrecpark.org/great-first-meeting-for-mclaren-community-garden-improvements/
Wed, 19 Nov 2014 23:31:38 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=79436Hi all! We had a great first meeting about renovating the McLaren Community Garden. We heard lots of inspiring ideas such as building communal plots where gardeners can share herbs, having artwork that uses wind as an element, and creating a more welcoming space for children and seniors at the … Continue reading →]]>

Hi all! We had a great first meeting about renovating the McLaren Community Garden. We heard lots of inspiring ideas such as building communal plots where gardeners can share herbs, having artwork that uses wind as an element, and creating a more welcoming space for children and seniors at the garden.

We can’t wait to further develop the design at the second meeting on 12/6/14. I look forward to seeing you all there!

]]>Community Planting Day & McLaren Park Trail Connector Celebration on Nov 15https://sfrecpark.org/event/community-planting-day-mclaren-park-trail-connector-celebration-on-nov-15/
Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=79322You are cordially invited to join the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, McLaren Park Collaborative and park advocates for a special Community Planting Day to celebrate the opening of the new … Continue reading →]]>

You are cordially invited to join the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, McLaren Park Collaborative and park advocates for a special Community Planting Day to celebrate the opening of the new McLaren Park Trail Connector.

Funded by the Parks Bond, the SF Rec and Park’s Urban Trails Improvement Program realigns the steep trail segment leading to the magnificent vista point at McLaren Park overlooking Bernal Heights and downtown San Francisco. The realignment improves public access and pedestrian safety.

The Mansell team – Project Manager Karen Mauney-Brodek and DPW design staff – will be attending the McLaren Collaborative meeting Thursday, October 16th. Meetings starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm. I think the Mansell update will be closer to the beginning of the meeting on the agenda. This is a meeting of the McLaren Collaborative.

The meeting will be held at the Crocker Amazon Clubhouse, which is located near the corner of Moscow Street and Italy Avenue in Crocker Amazon Park.

]]>Saturday in the Park Free Concert Series: McLaren Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-mclaren-park-3/
Sat, 04 Oct 2014 20:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=76127The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied music genres from August 9 to October 11, 2014. Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade … Continue reading →]]>

The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied musicgenres from August 9 to October 11, 2014.

Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade trees, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre creates an intimate, friendly setting, allowing for the talents of these artists to truly shine. Concert goers can enjoy bringing the family and a picnic lunch, away from the “hustle and bustle,” for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. All concerts start at 1 pm.

October 4: Singer/Songwriter Acoustic Show- a tribute to Pete Seeger with songs and music by Karney, Rocker T, Katie Garibaldi, Ray Vaughn, The Devil’s Chord, and Pete Kronowitt

]]>Saturday in the Park Free Concert Series: McLaren Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-mclaren-park-2/
Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=76125The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied music genres from August 9 to October 11, 2014. Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade … Continue reading →]]>

The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied musicgenres from August 9 to October 11, 2014.

Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade trees, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre creates an intimate, friendly setting, allowing for the talents of these artists to truly shine. Concert goers can enjoy bringing the family and a picnic lunch, away from the “hustle and bustle,” for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. All concerts start at 1 pm.

September 27: Charity and the JAMBand- a high-energy, fun, children’s sing-along and dance concert

]]>Saturday in the Park Free Concert Series: McLaren Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org/event/saturday-in-the-park-concert-series-mclaren-park/
Sat, 23 Aug 2014 20:00:00 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?post_type=tribe_events&p=76120The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied music genres from August 9 to October 11, 2014. Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade … Continue reading →]]>

The iconic Jerry Garcia Amphitheater at McLaren Park features a variety of local performers and varied musicgenres from August 9 to October 11, 2014.

Situated on a sunny hillside meadow and surrounded by tall shade trees, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre creates an intimate, friendly setting, allowing for the talents of these artists to truly shine. Concert goers can enjoy bringing the family and a picnic lunch, away from the “hustle and bustle,” for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon. All concerts start at 1 pm.

Join the members of Help McLaren Park, a neighborhood-based volunteer group, in their 7th annual clean-up of McNab Lake and the Louis Sutter Playground located in McLaren Park. SFRPD will provide waders, rakes, buckets, rags, gloves and cleaning supplies. HMP will provide food and refreshments. This event is vital to keeping both the playground and lake usable and enjoyable year-round. The more hands, the lighter the work. Meet at the Louis Sutter Playground located at Wayland & University Streets. Kids are welcome!

]]>Warriors Day of Service (NBA Cares Week 2013)https://sfrecpark.org/warriors-day-of-service-nba-cares-week-2013/
Mon, 28 Oct 2013 18:38:14 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=57917In conjunction with NBA Cares Week of Service and the #GSWCountdown to Opening Night, the Warriors hosted a Day of Service at McLaren Park in San Francisco on October 21. Warriors’ players Toney Douglas, Marreese Speights, Dewayne Dedmon and Joe Alexander joined Golden State executives and fans teamed up to help … Continue reading →]]>

In conjunction with NBA Cares Week of Service and the #GSWCountdown to Opening Night, the Warriors hosted a Day of Service at McLaren Park in San Francisco on October 21. Warriors’ players Toney Douglas, Marreese Speights, Dewayne Dedmon and Joe Alexander joined Golden State executives and fans teamed up to help beautify McLaren Park in San Francisco.

Volunteers gathered 500 bags of trash/debris, hazardous and large dump ground waste and removed 4 tons of green waste, weeds, overgrown blackberry and shrubs. 2 tons of green waste, weeds and overgrown blackberry bushes were removed to help support safety and create a sight line for the community members that use the park. The volunteers also cleaned the two playgrounds, removed trash and debris from the area, and swept and painted the amphitheater. More than 500 bags of trash and 6 tons of green waste later, McLaren Park was more beautiful and safe than it had been in a long time.

Over 250 loyal Warriors fans arrived at McLaren Park in support of the San Francisco Recreation & Parks department. Together Warriors executives, players and fans contributed over 780 volunteer hours which translates into a $19,305 in-kind donation. The fans left with a great sense of pride for having given back to the community side-by-side with some of the Warriors players.

Thank you to all of our volunteers – including United Playaz, Mission Recreation Center Girls Basketball Team, and YMCA of San Francisco – for helping keep McLaren Park clean and beautiful for the entire Bay Area community.

]]>Warriors Score Big at McLaren Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org/warriors-win-at-mclaren-park/
Sat, 26 Oct 2013 16:52:20 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=57902NBA Cares and the Warriors Team brought community volunteers, neighborhood group advocates and Warrior fans to McLaren Park on Monday October 21st for a massive park beautification. Check out the recap of the volunteer event: www.nba.com]]>

NBA Cares and the Warriors Team brought community volunteers, neighborhood group advocates and Warrior fans to McLaren Park on Monday October 21st for a massive park beautification. Check out the recap of the volunteer event: www.nba.com

Come and celebrate the Grand Reopening of McLaren Park Playground located at Peru Ave and Burrows St on Saturday, October 12 @ 12:30 p.m. An afternoon to connect with neighbors, celebrate the newly renovated play area and enjoy the second largest park in San Francisco!

]]>SFGate: McLaren Park in S.F. sharpens focushttps://sfrecpark.org/sfgate-mclaren-park-in-s-f-sharpens-focus/
Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:55:58 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=53248Fans of McLaren Park, the 317 acres of open space spilled across a ridgeline in southeast San Francisco, often use the words “potential” and “future.” The problem is, this has been the case for generations. So when boosters tout the virtues of a park that not long ago was known … Continue reading →]]>

Fans of McLaren Park, the 317 acres of open space spilled across a ridgeline in southeast San Francisco, often use the words “potential” and “future.”

The problem is, this has been the case for generations. So when boosters tout the virtues of a park that not long ago was known within the city primarily for crime, they realize that not everyone shares their faith.

“There are a lot of people in my neighborhood who don’t use it, and a lot who use it all the time,” said Tom Scott, who moved nearby in 2007. “I love it, and I’m still discovering things – but I heard all those same things when I moved here, ‘It’s scary, don’t go in alone.’ ”

The park’s contours loom on the west as drivers enter San Francisco on Highway 101. Above the modest houses at the base are grassy slopes, trees and such occasional structures as a 30-foot-high concrete elevation tower built in the early 1980s with federal funds. There’s also a gaunt amphitheater from a decade earlier, tucked into an eastern slope protected from afternoon winds.

The tower has been padlocked for at least 15 years, neighbors say. The amphitheater still functions, but without the lighting and sound system that was part of the original project.

These days, the emphasis isn’t a push for structures that politicians can announce with fanfare. The idea is to pull in as many types of people as possible with lures that will make them want to return.

There are nature and photography walks. Repaved tennis courts host after-school programs, and a rebuilt playground is set to open next month. A community garden near Visitacion Valley is being revived after years of neglect.

There’s also Philosopher’s Way, a 2.7-mile loop of trails with 14 “musing stations” that opened in December. Completed last winter, the stations include stories from longtime residents as well as quotes from the likes of author Wendell Berry.

The loop, paid for by arts funds from a water tank upgrade but helped along by volunteers, last week brought Kadri Jugandi south from her home near Duboce Park. With her were two friends and her 3-month-old.

‘Beautiful, gorgeous’

“It’s beautiful, gorgeous. I never realized what was here,” said Jugandi, who moved to San Francisco five years ago from Estonia.

She read about Philosopher’s Way in Sunset Magazine – not the sort of publication that, in the past, took notice of a park that always has seemed on the verge, but never really arrived.

“The dream of John McLaren has almost hardened into reality,” proclaimed The Chronicle when it visited the scene for its Hills of San Francisco series in 1958. While the “unspoiled Alpine joy” would remain, the paper’s verdict after reviewing various investments was that “more than all the hills, it dwells in the future.”

That future proved not to be so radiant.

“McLaren Park: great potential, much trash,” was the headline of a 1981 Examiner article.

Crime stats

It described lawns where squares of sod had been stolen, side streets lined by furniture and car parts, and crime statistics for the prior year that included two murders, six rapes and 18 stolen automobiles.

When Chuck Farrugia heard these figures this week, he wasn’t surprised.

Now 45, he grew up in the neighboring Portola district and recalls walking his dog as a boy and coming across a dead body (like others, it had been delivered to the park in that condition). He’d see burned-out cars and scars left by joy-riding motorcyclists.

But Farrugia also relished access to the wide open spaces, adventures of all sorts.

“You could climb a tree, ride bikes on the trails, capture snakes – it was like a forest,” Farrugia said. “It was a great place to hide, and kids like to hide.”

He became a firefighter and bought a home near his parents. As childhood friends headed to the suburbs, he found himself taking on the role of activist.

“We were hearing gunfire in the park – that was new for me,” he explained. “Families were leaving in droves, or figuring that nothing would change.”

His group Help McLaren Park was founded in 2007, after neighbors realized that the next parks bond included no funds for the second-largest park in San Francisco. When a subsequent parks bond went on the ballot in 2012, it included $12 million for McLaren Park.

Spending the money will be easy. Farrugia remembers five playgrounds on the north side of the park. Now there’s one. The waters of McNab Lake regularly darken with algae and silt because the reclaimed former marsh was designed poorly in the 1960s. There are few sidewalks.

There also are the realities of a park that’s difficult for outsiders to reach, split by a roadway, Mansell Street, which was designed to lead to a freeway that was never built. Illegal dumping is still a problem.

The residents of the Sunnydale housing project on the southern slopes have little access to any park amenities except the nine-hole golf course, not the most logical fit.

Even so, “for this corner of the city, it’s our Golden Gate Park. It has such potential,” saidLinda Litehiser. She moved nearby in 1999, after living in the city for 30 years, and got to know a park she had never before entered.

The wildness

Everyone has different reasons for visiting. Scott, who designed the signs now at several park entrances, savors the wildness. Litehiser helped form Friends of the Amp, which has lined up free concerts in the amphitheater.

This weekend, for the first time, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival will bring the Bard’s work to the park.

The play is “Macbeth,” with 2 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday. For McLaren Park, a drama of a different sort.

Park information

About the series

The Chronicle is retracing the steps of its 1958 “Hills of San Francisco” series. Each Wednesday, Urban Design Critic John King explores what individual peaks reveal about today’s city. Find more images, an interactive map and previous installments in the Urban Landscapes blog at www.sfgate.com.

Nestled among the tall eucalypti that populate Visitation Valley’s McLaren Park is one of the weirdest and trickiest municipal golf courses you’re ever likely to see. It’s abutted by housing projects, patronized religiously by a group of local diehards across the socioeconomic strata, and unknown to most of the city. It is, in other words, the most San Francisco of golf courses.

Welcome to Gleneagles, an enchanting little spot notable for its majestic views, abnormal terrain, and paucity of golfers.

An 18-hole course that’s built on nine holes (players essentially play the same nine fairways twice, but with different starting points on the second orbit), Gleneagles is known to stymie and frustrate practically any golfer, however skilled, who lacks familiarity with its many idiosyncrasies. Course regulars fondly relate stories of winning money from top-flight players; the course was once described by Lee Trevino — after going for what he’d thought would be a leisurely warm-up to the U.S. Open — as the hardest he had ever played.

“If you land it on the green, it won’t stick,” says Gleneagles Assistant General Manager Lisa Smith, pointing to the first hole’s slanted putting surface during a golf cart tour of the course. Moments later, sure enough, a young golfer lofts his approach to the center of the green, only to have it roll from its perch and down into the rough. “There, see?”

Such an occurrence is typical at a course where puzzling features abound — where shots that veer wide may surface in a clearing while balls driven straight find their way to the shrubs. The grounds slope in all directions, fairways bend sharply, clearings abruptly attenuate, and greens persistently misbehave.

“First time I played here, I remember smoking this ball on the 10th tee,” says Dave Townsend, a 10-handicap golfer and eight-year member of the course. “And the guys playing with me said, ‘Hit another.’ I said, ‘No, I smoked that — hit it perfectly.’ And they were like, ‘Hit another.’ … And I never did find that ball. I shot 103 that day, and I couldn’t wait to come back the next week to shoot 105.”

Though Gleneagles rarely sees a heavy crowd, it does attract a fiercely loyal group of regulars who spend a lot of time playing golf, and even more time talking about it while they drink at the clubhouse bar. Surrounded by wall-mounted framed newspapers, antlered taxidermy, and assorted golf memorabilia, clubhouse post-gamers do a lot of good-natured shit-talking but also speak glowingly of a culture they describe as accepting and convivial.

“This is a course where a judge can play with a plumber in the same foursome,” says Gleneagles general partner Tom Hsieh, who made a late afternoon appearance when he strolled by the clubhouse with his poodle. “There is no status here, other than your ability to play golf — that’s what you’re judged by.” Hsieh, a former San Francisco supervisor and candidate for mayor who acquired the lease to Gleneagles in 2004, doesn’t comment on the course’s financial picture, except to say that he is committed to keeping it open. He says it is leased from San Francisco but, unlike other public courses, receives no money from the city’s general fund.

While developments near golf courses more typically involve condos, the neighborhood that abuts Gleneagles’ western edge paints a somewhat grittier picture: the notoriously rough Sunnydale housing projects, which border the golf course on several of its holes and mark the only slice of the outside world that golfers ever glimpse from the field of play. (That’s part of what makes the course a secret: Gleneagles is otherwise invisible to all passersby; even from the road that winds through McLaren Park, the only visible piece is a narrow clearing in the trees that marks the course’s entrance.) A barbed wire fence that stands between the golf course and its neighbors is a reminder that, even where brotherhood is championed, inclusiveness only extends so far.

Nonetheless, there is some intermingling between these neighbors. Regulars say neighborhood kids sometimes address passing golfers from their side of the fence, and will occasionally mosey over to the course to sell golf balls and T-shirts. Hsieh says Gleneagles is closely involved in a local chapter of the First Tee program, a national nonprofit that provides golf equipment and lessons to underprivileged youths. The program uses the course to practice, and the course also hosts barbecues and provides equipment.

On a recent weekday afternoon, Gleneagles’ hilltop clubhouse counted among its visitors a doctor, a contractor, a heavy-equipment operator, a retired San Francisco homicide detective, a retired lawyer and two course employees. Topics of conversation ranged from golf to baseball to the bunions on one guy’s shoeless foot — caused, naturally, by too much golfing.

Like other municipal courses, Gleneagles draws its share of beginners, but it also brings in high-level players, some of whom grow obsessed with taming its uniquely challenging features. Townsend, for one, says he is a member of the private Sequoyah Country Club in Oakland, but that he rarely plays there because he’s addicted to this strange course.

“The people here are what attracts me the most — the hilarity and the stories people tell,” Townsend says. “Actually, most of us are pretty serious golfers, but it’s not uptight. Once you’ve played here, you’re considered a member.”

Notwithstanding this spirit of inclusiveness, daily turnouts at Gleneagles are paltry compared to what most public courses typically see. They say anyone is welcome to play here, but few people — including, it seems, most local golfers — even know where it is, or that it exists.

“We call it the speakeasy of golf — if you can find it, you can play,” Hsieh says.

]]>SFGate: Philosopher’s Way in McLaren Parkhttps://sfrecpark.org/sfgate-philosophers-way-in-mclaren-park/
Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:15:51 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=47900By Gail Todd, SF Chronicle Second in size only to Golden Gate Park and with better views, 318-acre McLaren Park has been San Francisco’s neglected stepchild. Named for John McLaren, superintendent of Golden Gate Park for an astonishing 53 years, the park is surrounded by the Excelsior, Visitacion Valley, Crocker-Amazon and … Continue reading →]]>

By Gail Todd, SF Chronicle

Second in size only to Golden Gate Park and with better views, 318-acre McLaren Park has been San Francisco’s neglected stepchild. Named for John McLaren, superintendent of Golden Gate Park for an astonishing 53 years, the park is surrounded by the Excelsior, Visitacion Valley, Crocker-Amazon and Portola neighborhoods in the often-ignored southeast section of San Francisco.

Today, McLaren Park is undergoing a renaissance. A new 2.7-mile Philosopher’s Way trail winds around the perimeter of the park, leading you through McLaren’s premier vista spots, scented groves and sunny meadows. Rough-hewn stone arrows guide you along, and 14 musing stations encourage contemplation. Benches and stools hewn from recycled curbstone offer views overlooking the city. Polished black granite markers are etched with bits of history, reminiscence, poetry and images.

Download a trail map at www.bit.ly/19ueHA4. You can find restrooms and water across the road from the Overlook Parking area near the tennis courts.

The trail

It’s called the Overlook Parking lot because you gaze out over Visitacion Valley with the bay to your left and the Cow Palace to your right. Look for the stone arrow at the trailhead. This is the first of 62 rough granite markers that will keep you from straying off the path.

The trail heads downhill with views of Bayview Hill. Blue-eyed grass, lupine, poppies and wild geraniums pop up on the hillside. If you’re hungry, you can nibble on miner’s lettuce. At a musing station, look across at San Bruno Mountain, crowned with broadcast antennas.

Continue through a wooded area of mostly eucalyptus. Past a large water tank off to your right, you will start climbing uphill and hearing traffic noise. Here the path diverges. To your right is a shortcut trail that leads you back to your starting point. A musing station here overlooks the Cow Palace and displays an image of Martin Luther King Jr., who spoke at the Cow Palace in 1964. To continue on the walk, take the path straight ahead and cross Mansell Street. (Cross carefully, as there is no crosswalk.)

A paved path comes to a lone bench at Visitation Knob. Rest and look out over the Pacific Ocean.

The water tower

After crossing a large open meadow sprinkled with oaks and pine and a beautiful patch of cineraria, the path ascends to the blue, 80-foot-tall art-deco water tower for the piece de resistance of this walk: the panoramic vista spanning San Bruno to downtown San Francisco, with great views of Twin Peaks and Mount Davidson. If you packed a picnic lunch, this bluff is a perfect place to enjoy it.

After descending, look for the reservoir just slightly off the trail. This provides irrigation water for the park, but its claim to fame is its popularity as a swimming hole – for dogs. The trail continues through the woods and comes to a large picnic area with barbecue pits and a dog run area. Across John F. Shelley Drive, traverse a wooden bridge, climb some steps and look to your right to see “Creek Intervention,” a large stone bowl that catches spring water dripping from a pipe. You come to a children’s play area, tennis courts and restrooms.

When you cross Mansell again, you will see the parking lot on your right. But don’t abandon the trail here: Follow the markers to the east side of Visitacion Avenue, coming to a picnic area and lookout point with unsurpassed views of Visitacion Valley. An abandoned observation tower adds a touch of mystery. Continue on the trail back to your car.

If you go

Philosopher’s Way in McLaren Park:By bus: Muni’s No. 29 stops at Mansell Street and John F. Shelley Drive. Walk east on Mansell, and the Overlook Parking lot and the trailhead will be on your right. By car from S.F.: Exit Highway 101 at Paul Avenue. At the San Bruno Avenue stop sign, head uphill on Mansell Street. Continue into the park and make a left turn into the Overhead Parking lot. To avoid freeways, turn onto Persia Avenue from Mission Street. Persia becomes Mansell Street shortly after it enters the park. Continue on Mansell. Shortly after you pass John F. Shelley Drive, you will see the Overlook Parking lot on your right.

]]>Progress Update on McLaren Park Peru Street Playgroundhttps://sfrecpark.org/progress-update-on-mclaren-park-peru-street-playground/
Fri, 12 Jul 2013 18:27:26 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=47333Continue reading →]]>A project of the 2008 Clean and Safe Parks Bond’s Community Opportunity Fund Progam, the improvements to the Peru Street Playground in McLaren Park are well underway. We anticipate completion of the project within the next two months. Due some unanticipated construction issues work has slowed over the last few weeks. This past week, with help from DPW’s site survey team, we believe we have resolved the issues and expect work to resume within the week. Check back here for further updates over the next several weeks.

]]>Great news for the Mansell Corridor Project!https://sfrecpark.org/great-news-for-the-mansell-corridor-project/
Wed, 05 Jun 2013 22:51:23 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=46770Continue reading →]]>The Project is being recommended for $1.7M in One Bay Area Grant (OBAG) funding. If we secure the OBAG funds, we will have about $5.1M in transportation funds for the project.

After months of community outreach including distributing a community feedback form and hosting multiple community meetings, the project team created a final preliminary design which was presented to the community in March and to the Rec & Park Commission in April.

The new design for Mansell Street places the vehicular traffic on the south side of the median and the pedestrians and bikes on the north side. The new design also includes additional traffic calming measures, clearly marked crosswalks for the major intersections, and additional lighting.

The condition of the road will be improved with new paving, and pedestrians and bikes will have a dedicated and safe route through the park. To review the final preliminary design and view other materials presented at our community meetings, please see the links under “Documents and Materials”.

Come and help the Natural Areas team restore habitat at Yosemite Marsh. Please wear closed toed shoes, long pants and layers. The event will occur rain or shine. Please arrive on time for orientation. Light refreshments provided. Meet at the intersection of Oxford and Bacon Streets.

Please email recparkvolunteer@sfgov.org to register so we can plan projects and tools accordingly.

]]>NEN Awards: Help McLaren Park Wins Awardhttps://sfrecpark.org/nen-awards-help-mclaren-park-wins-award/
Sat, 15 Dec 2012 18:01:52 +0000http://sfrecpark.org/?p=42818The Neighborhood Empowerment Network’s NEN Awards are returning for their fifth and biggest year on January 9. Produced in partnership with the CCSF Community Challenge Grant Program, The NEN Awards are dedicated to elevating and celebrating the tremendous work that residents and organizations do every day to make our city … Continue reading →]]>

The Neighborhood Empowerment Network’s NEN Awards are returning for their fifth and biggest year on January 9. Produced in partnership with the CCSF Community Challenge Grant Program, The NEN Awards are dedicated to elevating and celebrating the tremendous work that residents and organizations do every day to make our city a great place to live.

This year, the community group Help McLaren Park will accept the Outstanding Park Group award for their advocacy of McLaren Park.

On Saturday, December 15, the Department joined the community group to help break ground on a new playground at the park’s Peru Street entrance, a project the group spearheaded and which is being funded by the Community Opportunity Fund, a program of the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond.